Benson Speaks!

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; This came off another board. They said this is in the T.P. today. I think it is about time Benson set the record straight for the average schmoo.
Bensons Letter to the people.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
LET'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
...

This came off another board. They said this is in the T.P. today. I think it is about time Benson set the record straight for the average schmoo.

Bensons Letter to the people.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
LET'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

1. Funds that are received by the New Orleans Saints from the State of Louisiana are self-generated from ticket sales, sponsorship advertisements, concessions, tax on visiting players and other similar sources. THIS INCOME IS BASICALLY PRODUCED BY THE SAINTS AND AND WOULD NOT EXIST IF THE SAINTS WERE NOT PLAYING IN THE LOUISIANA SUPERDOME.

2. The so-called $3,000,000.00 "shortfall" was created when the Superdome's management and the State failed to sell the "naming rights" for the Superdome. NO MONIES FROM THE STATE'S GENERAL FUND HAVE BEEN USED TO SATISFY THE STATE'S OBLIGATIONS.

3. As a further fact, as determined by Timothy P. Ryan from the University of New Orleans, in 2002 the Saints generated a total economic impact of $402.17 million in the New Orleans economy. In addition, the New Orleans Saints are responsible for the creation and support of 4,686 permanent full and part-time jobs in the New Orleans area economy. Those jobs, in 2002, will create a total of $161.97 million in earnings or income for residents of the State of Louisiana. FINALLY, IN 2002 THE OPERATIONS OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FOOTBALL TEAM IN NEW ORLEANS GENERATED A TOTAL $25.79 MILLION IN REVENUES FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE AREA. Of that total, $17.69 million was received by the State of Louisiana and $8.09 million was received by local governments in the New Orleans area.

4. No one, including myself, is satisfied with our current performance but since assuming ownership of the Saints in 1986, our win/loss percentage ranks 15th in the League, ahead of such teams as Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, and the popularity of our team is reflected by the fact that its TV ratings are fourth in the National Football League.

4. No one, including myself, is satisfied with our current performance but since assuming ownership of the Saints in 1986, our win/loss percentage ranks 15th in the League, ahead of such teams as Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, and the popularity of our team is reflected by the fact that its TV ratings are fourth in the National Football League.

I am usually pretty good on my intuitions and this gives me one of those bad vibes. Is there a do or die situation brewing with the saints?

I think Benson has been a pretty good owner when you look at the other owners in the league. The team has been better since he took it over. He has tried to bring in the right people to win. He is not asking the state to bend over for him with his request. The guy has been quite fair yet some folks only want to look at what is on the field and that elusive superbowl.

There are two sides to the saints. One is what you se on the field and the other is economic and social value that most cannot see.

After thinking about this a little more I think this weekend may be the final for HAZ. Iam hopeful at least!!

Two reasons this comes to mind is that 1. Benson came out with this to garner fan support either for a political reason or personal reason. There is some pressure coming from somewhere to make him worried about something to take this step.

2. He publicly states. \"4. No one, including myself, is satisfied with our current performance \". This is a no brainer but he did not give excuses or false hope. To me it shows the man does care about winning in some way.

I also note there have not been any public support made upon the coaching staff by anyone. Yet another sack of bricks for Haz to wear this weekend.